Hawaii Pacific University

Adult-Gero Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Allows nurses who hold a master's degree in nursing, usually with another nurse practitioner focus, to re-tool for the Acute Care Nurse Practitioner concentration with an Adult-Gero population focus.

Artificial Intelligence (Mandarin Translation)

A comprehensive program designed to equip students in China with cutting-edge AI/machine learning technologies and advanced data analytical methods, covering big data analytics, high-performance computing, and cloud computing.

Arts & Markets

The Bachelor's degree in Arts & Markets offers a multidisciplinary and multicultural approach preparing students for careers in music, theatre, or visual arts, with secondary areas possible in writing or multimedia. Graduates develop practical skills to work for educational organizations, businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies that deal with artists and the arts, or to manage a freelance artistic career.

Biochemistry

Biochemistry is the study of living organisms at the molecular level, exploring the structures, functions, transformations, and interactions of biological molecules such as proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids. Based on ASBMB guidelines, the rigorous curriculum prepares students for jobs, graduate or professional programs, and includes an optional Pre-Health Professions Concentration.

Biology

The Bachelor of Science in Biology offers three concentrations: Conservation, Ecology and Evolution; General Biology; and Human and Health Sciences. The scientifically rigorous but flexible curriculum integrates modern laboratory methods and field experiences, providing preparation for careers or graduate study in fields ranging from wildlife biology and ecosystem management to biotechnology, biomedicine, and health-related fields.

Biology: Human Health Studies

The Bachelor of Arts in Biology: Human Health Studies prepares students for advanced graduate studies in Physical or Occupational Therapy and related healthcare professions, providing a foundation in biological, physical, and social sciences essential for understanding human health and movement. Coursework covers biology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology, physics, cellular and molecular biology, and psychology, aligned with DPT and OTD prerequisites.

Biomedical Engineering

The Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering applies engineering principles to design and develop diagnostic and treatment solutions for biological, medical, and physiological problems. Students may take courses in computational biomechanics, biomedical optics and signal processing, medical image processing and instrumentation, tissue engineering, biosensing, and device design, with an optional Biotechnology concentration.

Biotechnology Engineering

The Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology Engineering involves the design, development, and application of innovative technologies, products, and environmentally sustainable systems through efficient use of resources. Specializations include bioenvironmental engineering and bioprocess engineering, preparing graduates for the biotechnology industry across agriculture, environmental, healthcare, food manufacturing, and pharmaceutical sectors.

Business Administration

The HPU College of Business MBA provides a foundation in core business disciplines, developing analytic, decision-making, and leadership skills. It offers two tracks (MBA Accelerated at 32 credits and MBA+ at 38-47 credits) with more than 20 professional certifications and stackable graduate certificates.

Business Administration

The Bachelor of Science in Business Administration provides a wide perspective in business with required courses in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Management, Marketing, and Management Information Systems. On-campus students may pursue concentrations in areas such as Accounting, Finance and Economics, International Business, Hospitality and Tourism Management, Management, or Marketing.

Business Analytics

Geared toward entry- to middle-level business and technology professionals, the GCBA helps professionals develop proficiency in business analytics through three core courses (9 credit hours).

Business Analytics

The Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) is a STEM-designated program that teaches students how to synthesize data to make better business decisions through data modeling, analysis, visualization, mining, and machine learning.

Chemistry

Chemistry is the study of matter and the changes it undergoes and is central to the natural sciences. The Bachelor of Science in Chemistry offers a broad-based and rigorous education modeled on American Chemical Society guidelines, preparing students for employment as professional chemists, graduate or health professional schools, and other fields, with an optional Pre-Health Professions Concentration.

Cinematic Multimedia Arts

The BA in Cinematic Multimedia Arts, with concentrations in Cinematic Multimedia Production and Animation and Multimedia Design, develops technical, design, and narrative skills across cinematic production, scriptwriting, animation, motion graphics, editing, audio production, web and graphic design, game design, and critical media analysis.

Clinical Psychology

HPU's PsyD program provides the education and initial training necessary to become a licensed psychologist. The five-year program is grounded in the scientific method, behavioral sciences, and empirical research to support evidence-based clinical practice, including practica, a dissertation, and a predoctoral internship.

Communication Studies and Practices

The Communication Studies and Practices major develops the skills and confidence to present ideas in various formats and situations, teaching students to communicate effectively, ethically, and across multiple platforms with people from diverse backgrounds. It offers a rigorous curriculum in the history, theories, mechanisms, and techniques of communication, with concentrations in Communication Studies and Strategic Communication.

Computer Science

The Computer Science major meets the standards of ACM and IEEE, offering foundational core courses and contemporary electives, culminating in a senior capstone project where students apply their skills to a challenging software problem. It prepares students for high-demand jobs or graduate studies, with a concentration in Cybersecurity available.

Construction Management

An advanced curriculum providing specialized knowledge and skills in construction project management, preparing graduates to lead and manage construction projects through planning, execution, and control. The program consists of ten 3-credit courses delivered in person.

Criminal Justice

A four-course program for working professionals, MPA+ students, or other individuals, providing students with advanced knowledge and skills in the criminal justice field.

Criminal Justice

This major prepares students for jobs and careers in law and related fields at the federal, state, and local levels. It covers theoretically-based criminology and practice-based criminal justice, drawing from disciplines including law, law enforcement, psychology, sociology, and administration of criminal justice.

Criminal Justice

Hawai'i Pacific University offers the Associate of Science degree in Criminal Justice through the College of Professional Studies upon completion of 60 credit hours of required and elective lower-division courses. The AS in Criminal Justice leads directly into the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and is available entirely online in addition to classroom-based instruction.

Criminal Justice Administration

Designed for those who want to advance in the field of criminal justice, the MSCJA examines the complex issues surrounding crime and justice and helps students develop leadership skills to apply in organizational settings across law enforcement, the judicial system, and corrections.

Cybersecurity

Develops cybersecurity professionals with a strong foundation of technical knowledge in computer security, network security, and information security to protect communities, companies, and the nation.

Cybersecurity

The undergraduate Certificate in Cybersecurity is offered to working professionals interested in gaining knowledge and skills to succeed in CompTIA and CISCO certifications. This stand-alone program can be taken without prerequisites except admission to undergraduate studies, and covers CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, and CISCO Cybersecurity Operations.

Cybersecurity

This major prepares students for careers in the growing cybersecurity industry and is based on ACM curriculum guidelines recognizing cybersecurity as a new computing discipline. It integrates scientific theories and practical training to develop programs and applications and provide security services to government, military, private, and public sectors, and can lead to industry-standard certifications.

Cybersecurity

The Associate of Science degree in Cybersecurity is offered through the College of Professional Studies upon completion of 60 credit hours of required and elective lower-division courses. It leads directly into the Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity and allows students to obtain the basic foundational goals in computer security and networking.

Data Science

A comprehensive program immersing students in cutting-edge technology and methodology for advanced data science applications, including data wrangling, machine learning, coding, and data visualization across industries such as technology, finance, healthcare, and social sciences.

Data Science

The undergraduate Certificate in Data Science is designed for students with coursework or experience in basic coding and competency in differential calculus and linear algebra. It covers Python programming, machine learning and knowledge discovery, deep learning, applied statistics, and mathematics for data science.

Diplomacy and Global Security

The MADGS program prepares students for professional careers in the civilian, military, or government sector, offering a flexible pace, multiple capstone options, and electives across five areas of specialization in the role of diplomacy, strategy, and security in contemporary international relations.

Diplomacy and Military Studies

The MADMS program prepares students for advanced study and professional careers in history, political science, and international relations, emphasizing the relationship of force and diplomacy to society and technology, culminating in a substantial research paper.

Diplomacy and Military Studies

The Diplomacy and Military Studies major provides a solid foundation in an interdisciplinary array of fields including history, political science, international relations, and homeland security. These disciplines provide the historical background and tools to understand contemporary statecraft, military affairs, and homeland security, preparing students for careers as leaders or experts in the military, government service, or private sector, or for graduate study.

Educational Leadership

Prepares graduates to become administrative leaders in classrooms, schools, and higher education institutions through an inquiry-oriented curriculum that integrates evidence-based research with inquiry-based learning. A concentration in Instructional Design is available.

Electrical Engineering

The Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering applies engineering principles to electrical systems and devices, with core expertise in electrical circuits, signals and systems, control and microcontroller systems, electronics, digital hardware, communications technology, embedded systems, and power. The four-year program offers options to focus in Sustainability or Computer Engineering, or pursue a general track.

Elementary Education

The HPU School of Education master's program in elementary education prepares candidates for licensing in Hawai'i and 49 other states in grades K-6 through an innovative, inquiry-oriented, standards-driven, field-based curriculum.

Elementary Education

The HPU School of Education provides a bachelor's degree in elementary education that prepares candidates for licensing in Hawai'i and 49 other states in grades K-6. It is based on an innovative, inquiry-oriented, standards-driven, field-based curriculum that integrates content and pedagogy and uses an electronic direct response folio assessment system to develop reflective professional educators.

English

English majors study poetry, novels, films, plays, short stories, sit-coms, and songs—the oral, written, and visual texts through which humans express meaning. Students develop creativity, oral and written communication skills, and critical thinking, preparing for careers in business, law, education, professional and technical writing, journalism, advertising, and publishing.

Environmental Science

The Environmental Science major prepares students for advanced studies or careers as environmental scientists. Students take a rigorous series of lower-division courses in chemistry, physics, biology, earth system science, and mathematics as a foundation for advanced courses, plus opportunities for field-based practicum, internship, and career experiences.

Environmental Studies

The Environmental Studies major prepares students for advanced studies in environmental policy, law, or management and for careers as environmental policy analysts and managers in private and public organizations. Students take lower-division courses in chemistry, biology, earth system science, and environmental science, with upper-division coursework in environmental law and policy and environmental economics.

Environment, Policy, and Leadership

Designed for students interested in understanding the impact of human activities on natural and environmental systems, designing policies to improve environmental health, encouraging sustainable development, and leading the organizational changes necessary for policy implementation.

Ethics in Public Service

For working professionals, MPA+ students, or other individuals, providing knowledge, skills, and competencies to be successful civil servants; it promotes the highest standards of ethics and accountability in managing public programs, covering topics such as program evaluation, performance management, and diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Family Nurse Practitioner

Allows nurses who hold a master's degree in nursing from an accredited school to retool into a family nurse practitioner without completing another master's degree.

General Business

The Associate of Science degree in General Business is offered through Military Campus Programs upon completion of 60 credit hours. Students may continue toward a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in General Business, Accounting, Business Economics, Finance, Hospitality and Tourism Management, International Business, Management, or Marketing.

General Studies

The Associate of Arts degree in General Studies is offered through the College of Professional Studies upon completion of 60 credit hours. It can be tailored to lead directly into most Bachelor programs, with coursework across all General Education Program curriculum areas and remaining credits taken as unrestricted electives.

Global Leadership and Sustainable Development

Prepares students for leadership positions in organizations that transform globalization dynamics into sustainable economic, social, and environmental development practices, emphasizing systemic thinking and critical analysis of globalization's effects on local cultures and the natural environment.

Health Professions

The Associate of Science degree in Health Professions is offered through the College of Professional Studies upon completion of 60 credit hours. It helps prepare students for health-related careers or further study such as the BS in Nursing, and is available entirely online through Off-Campus/Military Campus Programs.

History

The history major provides a solid foundation in historical studies and its methodologies, offering broad chronological and geographic exposure through courses in regional, global, and thematic history. The capstone seminar results in a substantial piece of research and synthesis, developing skills in research, writing, analysis, comparative perspectives, and multicultural sensitivities for graduate study or varied careers.

Homeland Security

This major prepares students for careers in homeland security and law-related employment such as federal, state, and local government as well as private-sector law enforcement and security organizations. It leads directly into the BS in Diplomacy and Military Studies, BS in Criminal Justice, or BA in International Studies, and is conferred through the College of Professional Studies upon completion of 60 credit hours.

Human Resource Development

Human Resource Development is the strategic and integrated use of training and development, organizational development, and talent management to improve individual and organizational performance. The program focuses on nine competency areas including strategic talent management, instructional design, training delivery, e-learning, measurement and analytics, organizational development, leadership, staffing, and project management.

Individualized

An Individualized Major allows students to create a major not otherwise offered at HPU, contributing to a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree. All Individualized Majors require a formal written proposal endorsed by a faculty member, academic advisor, program chair, and appropriate dean, demonstrating a coherent theme with academic merit drawing from two or more disciplines.

International Studies

The BA in International Studies prepares students to take their place as citizens of the world through a multidisciplinary program drawing on anthropology, economics, environmental studies, geography, history, international relations, and political science. Students develop regional expertise, gain competency in a second language, and choose a concentration in Anthropology, Development and Sustainability, or International Relations and Security.

Marine Affairs

The Bachelor of Arts in Marine Affairs is an interdisciplinary marine science degree focusing on the fundamentals of marine science, changing systems, sustainability of ocean resources, and social and environmental justice. Students are prepared to advocate, educate, communicate, and liaise among marine resource stakeholders, and the program requires a research practicum or internship.

Marine Biology

The marine biology major is a rigorous sequence of courses including a year each of general biology, general chemistry, and college physics with labs, plus calculus and statistics. Advanced courses range from molecular biology to ecology across modern biology and its marine applications, taking advantage of Hawai'i's tropical and oceanic setting and the university's research vessel.

Marine Science

The MSMS degree fosters a broad understanding of marine systems through an interdisciplinary program of study. It offers two tracks: a research-based Thesis track and an Applied track (39 credits) for students seeking careers in applied resource management.

Mathematics

The Bachelor of Science in Mathematics is a comprehensive degree program that provides students with four concentration options depending on their interests and future plans, including Pure Math and Applied Math.

Medical Science

The MSMedS is a 42-credit program for students preparing for medical or other health professional schools or careers in human health. Its curriculum uses the same content and assessments as the first year of the Ponce Health Science University MD program and can be completed in 11 to 20 months.

National Security and Strategic Studies

Addresses global, regional, and local concerns about contemporary security and strategic issues, providing tools to understand national and international security and the processes of strategic planning and decision-making.

Nonprofit Management

A four-course program for working professionals, MPA+ students, and other individuals, providing knowledge and skills for successful 501(c)3 organization management, including grant writing, funding strategy development, and program implementation and evaluation.

Nursing

The Master of Science in Nursing prepares advanced practice nurses through an 18-credit core plus a selected concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gero Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Graduates are eligible to sit for national credentialing exams.

Nursing

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing is conferred upon students who complete the General Education requirements and the prescribed nursing curriculum, requiring a minimum of 120 credit hours and completion of the nursing major with at least a 2.75 cumulative nursing and overall GPA. The program is approved by the Hawai'i Board of Nursing and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Nursing Practice

The Doctor of Nursing Practice offers MSN-DNP (30 credits) and BSN-DNP (75-78 credits) pathways as a professional practice doctorate integrating evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and systems leadership to prepare experts in specialized advanced nursing practice.

Occupational Therapy

An accelerated two-year, hybrid, entry-level doctorate in occupational therapy combining online learning, hands-on laboratory immersions, experiential fieldwork, and a culminating doctoral capstone experience and project.

Oceanography

The oceanography major is a rigorous sequence of courses leading to the Bachelor of Science degree, offering five concentrations: General, Chemical, Mathematics, Fisheries, and Biological. Oceanography is the interdisciplinary study of the global oceans, with laboratory and field work taking advantage of Hawai'i's oceanic setting and the university's research vessel.

Organization Development and Leadership

Focuses on change and development at the organizational, team, and individual level, using a multi-disciplinary perspective from management, sociology, anthropology, organization development, and social psychology. Valuable for corporate, community, government, and military leaders.

Organization Development and Leadership

Designed for students who want to gain expertise in designing and leading organizational development and change, using a multi-disciplinary perspective drawing on management, sociology, anthropology, psychology, and economics. The program requires 27 credits of core courses and a 3-credit capstone.

Physical Therapy

A 24-month Doctor of Physical Therapy program preparing graduates for clinical practice using a hybrid learning model that combines online activities, hands-on lab immersions, and 32 weeks of collaborative clinical education experiences.

Physician Assistant

The Master of Medical Science - Physician Assistant Program is a rigorous, full-time two-year program culminating in the MMS degree, with a hybrid didactic phase and a clinical phase spanning seven required disciplines plus an elective clinical rotation.

Political Science

The political science major familiarizes students with the major schools of thought and methodologies in the field, covering American, comparative, and international politics and the dynamics of power and decision making. Students learn to analyze political-economic relationships within geopolitical areas and compare different political structures.

Pre-Medical/Pre-Health Studies Post-Baccalaureate

The Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Pre-Medical/Pre-Health Studies is designed for career-changing post-baccalaureate students seeking to take science and associated courses to prepare for pre-medical/pre-health graduate school qualifying examinations (MCAT, DAT, OAT, GRE, etc.). It requires 56 program credits (at least 24 taken at HPU after earning the bachelor's degree) with a total GPA of 3.2 or above.

Product Management

An accelerated master's degree equipping students with the design, technology, and business leadership skills employers seek, combining online experiences with asynchronous coursework to empower aspiring and active product managers.

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

HPU's online certificate allows nurses with a master's or doctorate degree in nursing and a nurse practitioner credential in another field to re-tool for the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner designation and sit for the ANCC exam without completing another degree.

Psychology

Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes, and the program provides students with an understanding of theoretical approaches and research methods applicable to both laboratory and real-world settings. The curriculum emphasizes active learning, fieldwork, and research within an international environment, preparing students for graduate study and entry-level positions.

Psychology (Mandarin Translation)

An online program emphasizing foundational knowledge in psychological science, including social, cognitive/affective, developmental, abnormal, and biological aspects of behavior, plus research methods, counseling skills, and industrial/organizational applications. Suited for professionals advancing in human services or business.

Public Administration

A professional terminal degree for students seeking a career in public service or nonprofit management, addressing the skills needed for mid- and upper-management to formulate, implement, and manage policies, projects, and programs. Offered in-person and online in an accelerated 8-week-term format. An MPA+ option adds a 12-credit specialized graduate certificate.

Public Administration

The Public Administration degree is a comprehensive study of the organization of governments, their policies and programs, and the behaviors of public servants. It prepares students to serve as managers in local, state, and federal government, focusing on executive management and institutional structure, and prepares graduates for careers in government and the non-profit sector.

Public Budgeting and Financial Management

A four-course program for working professionals, MPA+ students, or other individuals with an interest in public budgeting and financial management within government and nonprofit organizations.

Public Health

The online and hybrid MPH program provides graduates with the knowledge and skills to become general practitioners across public health professions including research, education, program administration, and policy, culminating in over 270 hours of applied field training.

Public Health

The Bachelor of Science in Public Health provides graduates with the knowledge and essential skills to become active members of the public health workforce. Core courses explore the history of public health professions, human physiology, diseases, personal and community health, epidemiology, health policy, program planning and evaluation, research methods, and environmental health, and include two semesters of public health practicum.

Public Service Management

For working professionals, MPA+ students, or other individuals, providing knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to be successful professional civil servants managing and supervising public programs in state and local offices and agencies.

Secondary Education

The HPU School of Education master's program in secondary education prepares candidates for licensing in Hawai'i and 49 other states in grades 6-12 in English, mathematics, science, social studies, TESOL, and world languages.

Social Work

HPU's MSW is based on an advanced generalist model with options to complete advanced courses in military social work and veterans' affairs or a global Indigenous focus. The program prepares students for competent, ethical, and effective social work practice; an Advanced Standing option (30 credits) is available for qualified BSW graduates.

Social Work

The BSW Program prepares undergraduate students in the art and science of social work through competent, effective generalist practice to achieve social justice and honor the dignity of all people. The program aims to help all people meet their needs and secure their rights in the ever-changing local, national, and global environment.

Strategic Communication

The MASC program provides professional training for careers in advertising, marketing, public relations, media management, and advocacy, augmented with a strong international focus and technical training in web/graphic design and video production.

Supervisory Leadership

This major offers an introduction to the study of leadership, examining leadership theories, styles, traits, and myths, along with the major processes underlying human behavior. Students explore the responsibilities of the supervisor-as-leader and tools for decision making and career skills; the degree is conferred through the College of Professional Studies upon completion of 60 credit hours, with military training and experience applied based on ACE credit recommendations.

Sustainability

Prepares students to lead change initiatives that enhance environmental performance, convert economic development into sustainable development, and increase environmental sustainability across human systems. The program includes core courses, research, and a supporting field.

Sustainability and Security Studies

Addresses global, regional, national, and local concern about sustainable security, providing tools to understand the complex intersections between contemporary sustainability and security challenges and possible responses to such threats.

Teaching English as a Foreign Language

The Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) Certificate provides fundamental training for HPU undergraduate students interested in teaching English to speakers of other languages abroad. It involves 160 hours of in-person instruction including feedback on teaching practice and is awarded upon or after graduation from a bachelor's degree.

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

The MA TESOL prepares students to teach English in the United States or overseas, developing professional attitudes, communication and teaching skills, and knowledge of linguistics, second language acquisition, and language teaching methods.

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

The TESOL program is structured on three types of courses: theoretical, pedagogical, and practical. Theoretical linguistic courses help students understand languages and English in particular, pedagogical courses examine teaching strategies for diverse contexts, and practicum courses place the future teacher in language classrooms.

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

An 18-credit program with courses in three areas—linguistic theory, pedagogy, and practicum—designed to prepare students for TESOL teaching in the United States or overseas. A full-time student can finish in an academic year.

Transcultural Nursing

The Certificate in Transcultural Nursing is intended for nursing students, RNs, or LPNs interested in enriching their understanding and application of Transcultural Nursing to provide culturally competent nursing care. It includes foundational theory and concepts as well as application to the diverse cultures of Hawai'i and one specific culture experienced through study and cultural immersion.